How to Write Memorable Conclusions

When people are given a list of things to memorize, researchers found that they
best remember items at the beginning and end of the list. It is the same way
when people read. If you have a strong conclusion, people are more likely to
remember your main message. Here are some suggestions on how to write
memorable conclusions.

1) Use a broad statement to summarize your main idea

If you are writing about the environment, for example, you could end with a
broad statement such as, "It's up to us to protect the environment because,
after all, we only have one world".

2) End with a quotation

If you are writing about dealing with stress, you could conclude this way:
"Remember the old saying, 'all work and no play makes Teacher Joe a dull
boy'". As this example shows, you can adapt the quotation to fit the situation.

3) Express your hopes for the future

"My hope is that in ten years, we will no longer have to see newspaper stories
about young children who cannot afford to get an education", would be a good
way to end a paper on providing financial aid to poor families.

4) Use a question

As with introductions, questions are a good way to burn an idea into your
readers' brains. "If we can go to the moon, why can't we go to Mars, too?", will
focus readers' attention on the reasons you wrote about in the body of your
paper.

5) Call for action!

This is one of the most common ways to conclude. Don't be shy about asking
for some kind of response. "If you agree with me, then go out and volunteer" or
"Take some time to analyze your diet to see how many calories you could easily
do without", are two examples. Asking people to volunteer to help others or do
something to help themselves is a powerful way to get them to think deeply
about your suggestions.

So, do you think you could apply any of the ideas above? Bookmark this page
now, so the next time you have to write something, you can come back here
and try one of these ideas!